Respect is a two-way street, but sometimes, it can slip away unnoticed.
You may not always realize when someone has lost respect for you, because the signs can be subtle.
These aren’t grand gestures of disdain – they’re small, almost unnoticeable behaviors that hint at a deep-seated issue. But once you know what to look for, you’ll spot them a mile away.
Allow me to share with you seven subtle behaviors people typically display when they’ve lost respect for you. It’s not always easy to swallow, but understanding these signs can be the first step to regaining that lost respect.
1) They avoid eye contact
Eye contact is a basic element of human connection. It’s a sign that someone is engaged and interested in what you’re saying.
When someone respects you, they’ll meet your gaze with ease. But if that respect begins to wane, they might find it hard to look at you directly.
Instead, they’ll avoid eye contact, their gaze darting around the room or focusing on something else.
This isn’t to say that everyone who avoids eye contact has lost respect for you. There could be other factors at play, like shyness or distraction.
2) They interrupt you frequently
We’ve all been there – you’re in the middle of a story or an explanation, and someone cuts in before you’ve finished. It’s frustrating and feels disrespectful.
I remember a friend who used to listen attentively to every word I said. But as time went on, he began to interrupt me more and more. At first, I thought he was just excited or had something important to say, but then I noticed it was a pattern. No matter what I was saying, he would cut me off mid-sentence.
Interrupting someone is a subtle way of saying that their words aren’t valuable. It’s a sign that they don’t respect your opinion or time.
Again, it’s worth considering other factors – some people are just naturally more interruptive. But if it’s a change in behavior, it might be a signal that they’ve lost respect for you.
3) Their body language changes
Body language can often say more than words. When someone respects you, their body language is open and engaged. They lean in when you talk, their arms are uncrossed, and they face you directly.
However, if someone has lost respect for you, their body language might close off. They might cross their arms, turn their body away from you, or even create physical distance between you two.
Up to 55% of our communication comes through non-verbal cues like body language. If you notice a shift in someone’s posture or the way they position themselves around you, it might be a sign of lost respect.
4) They’re dismissive of your ideas
When we respect someone, we value their thoughts and ideas. We might not always agree, but we listen and consider their perspective.
If someone has lost respect for you, they may become dismissive of your ideas. They might brush off your suggestions without giving them due consideration or belittle your thoughts with sarcastic comments.
This behavior can be subtle, but it’s a clear sign that they no longer hold your opinion in high regard. If you notice this pattern, it may be time to address the issue directly and regain the respect you deserve.
5) They don’t include you in decisions
Being included in decisions, whether big or small, is a sign of respect. It shows that your opinion matters and you’re valued.
There was a time when I was part of a team project at work. Initially, my input was sought and valued. But over time, I noticed that decisions were being made without consulting me. It was as if my contributions no longer mattered.
This can be a subtle sign that someone has lost respect for you. If you find yourself consistently left out of the decision-making process, it might be a sign that the respect that was once there has dwindled.
6) They don’t value your time
Time is one of our most precious resources, and when someone respects you, they respect your time.
However, if someone has lost respect for you, you might notice that they don’t value your time as much. They may consistently arrive late for meetings or cancel plans at the last minute.
It’s easy to brush off these actions as them just being busy or forgetful. But if it becomes a regular pattern, it might be a subtle indication of their lack of respect.
7) They don’t defend you
When someone respects you, they stand up for you. They have your back, especially when you’re not around to defend yourself.
If someone has lost respect for you, they might stay silent when others speak ill of you, or worse, they might even join in. This is a clear sign of lost respect and something that requires immediate attention.
Final thoughts: Respect is earned
The subtleties of human behavior can often reveal more than blatant actions. Respect is an integral part of any relationship, and when it begins to fade, it usually manifests in these subtle behaviors.
However, it’s essential to remember that respect is not a one-way street. It’s a mutual understanding that needs to be nurtured and maintained.
Author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell said it best: “Respect is something you have to earn. It’s not something that’s given.”
So if you notice these behaviors in someone, it might be time to reflect on your actions too. Are you giving them the respect they deserve? Are you demonstrating behaviors that command respect?
Recognizing these signs is the first step. The next is to work on rebuilding that lost respect, because everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Do you truly know yourself?
Your FREE personalized Moon Reading explores the secret depths of your personality, relationships and true purpose in life.
